=Teeth and toes= are the basis for subdividing the class mammalia into
orders. Although the breathing, the circulation, and the internal organs
and processes are similar in all mammals, the external organs vary
greatly because of the varying environments of different species. The
internal structure enables us to place animals together which are
essentially alike; _e.g._ the whale and man are both mammals, since they
resemble in breathing, circulation, and multiplication of young. The
external organs guide us in separating the class into orders. The teeth
vary according to the food eaten. The feet vary according to use in
obtaining food or escaping from enemies. This will explain the
difference in the length of legs of lion and horse, and of the forms of
the teeth in cat and cow. Make a careful study of the teeth and the
limbs as shown in the figures and in all specimens accessible. Write out
the dental formulas as indicated at the top of page 194. The numerals
above the line show the number of upper teeth, those below the line show
the number of lower teeth, in one half of the jaw. They are designated
as follows: _I_, incisors; _C_, canine; _M_, molars. Multiplying by two
gives the total number. Which skulls in the chart have the largest
canines? Why? The smallest, or none at all? Why? Compare the molars of
the cow, the hog, and the dog. Explain their differences. In which
skulls are some of the molars lacking? Rudimentary? Why are the teeth
that do not touch usually much smaller than those that do?
[Illustration:
FIG. 343.—POLAR BEAR (_Ursus maritimus_).
]
KEY, OR TABLE,
FOR CLASSIFYING
MAMMALS (_class
Mammalia_) INTO
ORDERS
│ ORDERS │
=A_{1} Imperfect Mammals=, young hatched │
or prematurely born │
│B_{1} Jaws a birdlike beak, _Mon’otremes_
│ egg-laying
│B_{2} Jaws not beaklike, young _Marsu’pials_
│ carried in pouch
=A_{2} Perfect Mammals=, young not │
hatched, nor prematurely born │
B_{1} │C_{1} Front part of both jaws _Eden’tates_
_Digits │ lack teeth
with │
claws_ │
│C_{2} Teeth with sharp points _Insect’ivors_
„ │ for piercing shells of
│ insects
│C_{3} Canines very long, _Car’nivors_
„ │ molars suited for
│ tearing
„ │C_{4} Canines lacking, _Rodents_
│ incisors very large
B_{2} │C_{1} Head large; carnivorous _Ceta’ceans_
_Digits │
not │
distinct_│
„ │C_{2} Head small; herbivorous _Sire’neans_
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